The IHCC’s Annual HealthCare Consumerism Superstar Awards recognize and honor individuals and organizations that are making a difference in America’s health care system. According the IHCC, this year’s population health management award winners “demonstrate that wellness has a considerable role – perhaps more important than ever – in contemporary US businesses. These award winners have designed next-generation wellness programs that eschew the one-size-fits-all mantra.”

Baptist Health’s internal wellness program initially was launched as a way to mitigate escalating health care costs for its 4,800 employees. BHS has been able to engage 85 percent of its workforce and measurably reduce tobacco use, decrease body mass index (BMI), and improve cholesterol and blood pressure, resulting in a 40 percent reduction in primary diabetes claims and complications, among other positive results. Based on this success, BHS launched a Workforce Wellness program in 2008 for employers in Jefferson, Shelby, Walker and Talladega counties. BHS Workforce Wellness personnel conduct health screenings, counsel employees regarding their results, make follow up and even same day appointments, host flu shot clinics and provide on-site Nurse Practitioners in some locations.

“Baptist Health is honored to be selected as a HealthCare Superstar,” said Beth Francis, BHS’s vice president and chief human resources officer. “A steadily increasing rate of employee participation and a data-driven approach have made it easier for us to identify health risks prevalent in our workforce and design specific outreach and educational programs to help our employees become healthier, feel better and reduce everyone’s costs associated with chronic conditions. It makes sense that as a health care organization, we share what we’ve learned with our fellow employers. ”

About Baptist Health System
Baptist Health System, Inc. is one of the largest health care systems in Alabama and one of the state’s largest employers. The system is a not-for-profit, 501(c) Corporation that owns and manages four hospitals in Alabama. Baptist Health System is a ministry of the churches of the Birmingham Baptist Association, whose representatives elect the board of trustees. It was founded in 1922 by a group of local Baptist congregations. More information is available at www.bhsala.com.

The IHCC’s Annual HealthCare Consumerism Superstar Awards recognize and honor individuals and organizations that are making a difference in America’s health care system. According the IHCC, this year’s population health management award winners “demonstrate that wellness has a considerable role – perhaps more important than ever – in contemporary US businesses. These award winners have designed next-generation wellness programs that eschew the one-size-fits-all mantra.”

Baptist Health’s internal wellness program initially was launched as a way to mitigate escalating health care costs for its 4,800 employees. BHS has been able to engage 85 percent of its workforce and measurably reduce tobacco use, decrease body mass index (BMI), and improve cholesterol and blood pressure, resulting in a 40 percent reduction in primary diabetes claims and complications, among other positive results. Based on this success, BHS launched a Workforce Wellness program in 2008 for employers in Jefferson, Shelby, Walker and Talladega counties. BHS Workforce Wellness personnel conduct health screenings, counsel employees regarding their results, make follow up and even same day appointments, host flu shot clinics and provide on-site Nurse Practitioners in some locations.

“Baptist Health is honored to be selected as a HealthCare Superstar,” said Beth Francis, BHS’s vice president and chief human resources officer. “A steadily increasing rate of employee participation and a data-driven approach have made it easier for us to identify health risks prevalent in our workforce and design specific outreach and educational programs to help our employees become healthier, feel better and reduce everyone’s costs associated with chronic conditions. It makes sense that as a health care organization, we share what we’ve learned with our fellow employers. ”

About Baptist Health System
Baptist Health System, Inc. is one of the largest health care systems in Alabama and one of the state’s largest employers. The system is a not-for-profit, 501(c) Corporation that owns and manages four hospitals in Alabama. Baptist Health System is a ministry of the churches of the Birmingham Baptist Association, whose representatives elect the board of trustees. It was founded in 1922 by a group of local Baptist congregations. More information is available at www.bhsala.com.